Why Do I Need a Re-Inspection for Damages to my Property?

February 26, 2019

When you file a claim for damages to your home, or business with your insurance company there is a lengthy process involved before your claim will be closed. Most home and business owners expect that after the initial inspection their claim will be paid out fairly, and they can make repairs.

Depending on the extent of the damages, like the damages from Hurricane Michael, the claim process may be more involved. Re-inspections can be a pivotal point in the processing of your claim.

When Does a Re-Inspection Need to Happen?

After the initial inspection where the insurance company field adjuster does a scope of the damages, they submit an estimate to the insurance company that dictates how much your damages will cost to repair. When you have a public adjuster involved with your claim, the public adjuster also writes an estimate of how much the damages will cost to repair. Your public adjuster’s estimate and demand letter are also submitted to your insurance company. Your public adjuster or insurance carrier can then request a re-inspection. Sentry will typically request that a re-inspection take place to advocate for fair payment on your claim.

Even if your insurance company has made an undisputed payment, your claim may still be significantly underpaid. If your claim is being underpaid, it can leave you with repairs having to be paid for out of pocket.

What Happens at a Re-Inspection?

The purpose of a re-inspection may seem redundant, but this is a crucial part of the claims process that can benefit you. Your insurance company will often send out a different field adjuster to re-inspect the property alongside your public adjuster. The public adjuster and the insurance adjuster will re-evaluate the claim together.

The public adjuster will walk through their estimate, using it to substantiate the damages that need to be repaired. They will also review any additional damages that may have appeared after the initial inspection such as cracks, water spots, or mold. Your public adjuster will also go over any discrepancies on the pricing of supplies, especially after a natural disaster like Hurricane Michael.

Your public adjuster will also advocate for the fair payment on correct coverages. For example, if you have a fallen tree removed from on your house, the debris removal cost should be applied to your coverage for dwelling, not coverage for other structures. If that cost isn’t applied to the proper coverage, it could result in you having to allocate funds from one coverage to put towards repairs for damages that are covered under a separate coverage. Payment being made on incorrect coverages could result in improper repairs due to lack of funds, or further underpayment on your claim if you didn’t have a public adjuster.

The public adjuster and the insurance company adjuster use a re-inspection to negotiate your claim, and, hopefully, agree upon a fair settlement for your claim. While for some claims, this can be the outcome, every claim is different. Some may take longer to be processed, and some claims will have other road bumps. Just like every property is unique, so is every claim. Your public adjuster will walk you through every step of the process, so you’re not left in the dark with your insurance claim.

How Can Sentry Help at a Re-Inspection?

When the initial inspection at your property takes place, the insurance company personnel may not have your best interest in mind. They represent the insurance company, not the property owner. Sentry is on your side and works diligently to ensure that your claim is thoroughly and efficiently handled. Sentry represents you throughout the entire claim process to help you at every turn. Contact Sentry today, at 844-443-4357 to learn how we can assist you in handling your property damage claim and aiding at your re-inspection.